On behalf of the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC), I extend heartfelt congratulations to Athletics South Africa (ASA) and the Team SA Relay athletes for their remarkable achievements at the World Athletics Relays Championships in Guangzhou, China.
Team SA showcased world-class talent, bringing home three medals – two gold and one bronze – across four events. These results not only reflect the athletes’ extraordinary talent and dedication but also signal a new era of strength for South African athletics.
GOLD – Men’s 4x100m Relay
Bayanda Walaza, Sinesipho Dambile, Bradley Nkoana, and Akani Simbine stunned the athletics world with a time of 37.61 seconds, the fastest of the year. This historic victory marked the first time an African nation has won gold in this event, edging out the United States by just 0.05 seconds.
GOLD – Men’s 4x400m Relay
The team of Gaerdeo Isaacs, Udeme Okon, Leendert Koekemoer, and Zakithi Nene raced to victory in 2:57.50, confirming their world-class status and cementing South Africa’s place among the best.
BRONZE – Women’s 4x400m Relay
Shirley Nekhubui, Miranda Coetzee, Precious Melepo, and Zeney van der Walt delivered a powerful performance and set a new national record, showcasing the strength of our women’s relay squad. All four relay teams secured automatic qualification for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, underscoring the importance of long-term investment and collaboration.
SASCOC’s Role in Supporting Relay Excellence
Through the Bidvest Operation Excellence (OPEX) Programme, SASCOC has proudly supported several athletes from these successful teams. The OPEX initiative funds elite athletes in their Olympic and Paralympic preparations, with a tiered approach that nurtures both current stars and future talent. From April 2023 to September 2024, many relay athletes were beneficiaries of the programme, with the next cohort being finalised.
Support Highlights:
Relay Training Camps:
SASCOC funded key relay camps hosted by ASA in Potchefstroom (November 2023 and February 2024), which focused on team-building and strategic preparation ahead of Paris 2024 and the World Relays.
Pre-Olympic Camp – Montpellier:
SASCOC covered additional costs for the pre-Games training camp in France, ensuring optimal preparation for the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams.
Travel Assistance:
SASCOC covered travel for relay team members to the 2024 African Championships (Cameroon), the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, and the May 2025 pre-World Championships Relays Camp in Johannesburg.
Olympic Scholarships:
Sixteen athletes from our relay squads also benefited from the IOC Olympic Solidarity 2024 Paris tailor-made scholarships programme, which enabled them to participate in high-level competitions and receive quality training leading up to the 2024 Olympic Games.
Relay Success at the African Championships and Paris 2024
At the 2024 African Championships, Team SA reaffirmed its continental dominance:
Gold in both men’s 4x100m and 4x400m relays
A strong showing in the mixed 4x400m, though falling short of Olympic qualification at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the momentum continued:
Silver – Men’s 4x100m Relay: The team executed their race with precision, standing proudly on the Olympic podium.
National Record – Men’s 4x400m Relay: The squad delivered one of their finest performances, demonstrating composure and competitiveness on the world stage. These accomplishments validate the value of strategic planning, athlete development, and inter-organisational collaboration, hallmarks of our commitment to high performance and stakeholder partnerships.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued Investment and Collaboration
South Africa’s recent relay successes exemplify what is possible with sustained investment, structured support, and aligned collaboration between SASCOC, National Federations and other partners. They have not only lifted our flag high but also inspired a generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
As the national sports umbrella body, SASCOC remains committed to deepening support across all sporting codes, identifying future champions, and ensuring that our athletes have the resources and opportunities to shine globally. With adequate funding, high-performance planning, and continued partnerships, our athletes will continue to deliver world-class results.
Congratulations once again to Athletics South Africa, the athletes, coaches, and support teams. You have made the nation proud. Your success is a beacon of what South African sport can achieve through vision, unity, and excellence.
